St. Petersburg Mayoral Primary: And the winner is …

Well, we don’t know who the two winning candidates will be until after 7 p.m. when the polls close. But I already know who the loser is (besides Paul Congemi): St. Petersburg.

I don’t have to look at the latest voter turnout results to say St. Pete citizens have abdicated their duties as an electorate. After visiting precincts on the north, south and west sides of town, I can see voters largely stayed home from this mayoral primary.

But the numbers back me up, too.

As of 2 p.m., Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections spokesperson Nancy Whitlock says turnout is estimated at 4.8 percent. Add the 12 percent of mail-in ballots already counted and just over 16 percent of registered voters in St. Petersburg have performed their civic duty. Although more folks will vote after work, some experts say voter turnout will only land around 25 percent.

Are three-quarters of St. Pete citizens really that indifferent to who runs this city?

For those who did vote, and eagerly await the results, I’m reporting all evening for my site and Creative Loafing’s Daily Loaf blog. Considering the rain has prevented the always-interesting sign waving battles, I’m attending the various Election Day watch parties for some real action, and hopefully, free food. If you want to join me, here’s a rundown of the events:

Larry Williams will hold his party at the old Louis Papa’s, 1530 4th Street North.

Scott Wagman hosts a shindig at the Outback Steakhouse, conveniently only three blocks away at 1900 4th Street North.

Bill Foster will await his results at Midtown Sundries.

And in the weirdest coincidence, Kathleen Ford and Deveron Gibbons will both party down at 128 Third Street South. Ford supporters will chow down at the Red Mesa Cantina on the bottom floor, while Gibbons’ crew watches results at Push Ultra Lounge upstairs. I’m counting on some awkward mingling moments . . .